Local Minister Charged with Sex Crimes

Washington County, VA: A local minister has been charged with four (4) felony charges involving sex crimes against an under-aged female. The victim, who is now an adult, contacted the Sheriff's Office on
Monday, February 27, 2012, with the complaint.

According to Washington County Sheriff Fred
Newman, an investigation was initiated by the Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division
after the victim came forward with a complaint of sexual molestation.

John Wesley Price, age 63, of 206 Baugh Lane, Abingdon, VA, was arrested at noon today at
his residence by Washington County Sheriff's detectives. Price has been charged with four
(4) counts of "animate object sexual penetration."

He was transported to the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail in Abingdon where he is being held without bond. An arraignment date
has been set for March 5, 2012, in the Washington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations
District Court.

The charge is an unclassified felony which carries a minimum of five years to life on each
charge. March 5, 2012